Electronic dispersion device

ABSTRACT

A dispersion device includes a first dispersion generating system, a second dispersion generating system and an outlet end element including a first outlet corresponding to the first dispersion generating system and a second outlet corresponding to the second dispersion generating system.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure relates to an electronic dispersion device.

Description of Related Art

Dispersion devices include, for example, electronic vaping devices andaerosol generating devices. An electronic vaping or e-vaping deviceincludes a heating element that vaporizes a pre-vapor formulation toproduce a vapor.

An aerosol generating device may generate an aerosol without a heatingelement.

SUMMARY

Some example embodiments provide dispersion device including a firstdispersion generating system, a second dispersion generating system andan outlet end element including a first outlet corresponding to thefirst dispersion generating system and a second outlet corresponding tothe second dispersion generating system.

In some example embodiments, the device further includes a dividerseparating the first dispersion generating system and the first outletfrom the second dispersion generating system and the second outlet.

In some example embodiments, the first dispersion generating system isconfigured to vaporize a first pre-vapor formulation into a first vaporhaving particles of a first size.

In some example embodiments, the second dispersion generating system isconfigured to aerosolize a first pre-aerosol formulation into a firstaerosol having particles of a second size and the first size and thesecond size are different.

In some example embodiments, a first cartridge contains the firstpre-vapor formulation and a second cartridge contains the firstpre-aerosol formulation, the first pre-vapor formulation and the firstpre-aerosol formulation being different.

In some example embodiments, the first dispersion generating systemincludes a heater and the second dispersion generating system includes aheatless vapor generator.

In some example embodiments, the first dispersion generating systemincludes a heater configured to generate the first vapor and the seconddispersion generating system includes an ultra-sonic generator or avibrator configured to generate the first aerosol.

In some example embodiments, the first outlet is at a center of theoutlet end element.

In some example embodiments, the second outlet includes first and secondparts at end portions of the outlet end element.

In some example embodiments, the device further includes a power supplycoupled to the first dispersion generating system and the seconddispersion generating system.

In some example embodiments, the device further includes an outerhousing containing the first dispersion generating system and the seconddispersion generating system and a divider defining first and secondpassages in the outer housing, the first dispersion generating systembeing in the first passage and the second dispersion generating systembeing in the second passage.

In some example embodiments, the divider extends to the outlet endelement and separates the first outlet and the second outlet.

In some example embodiments, the housing defines a first opening througha surface of the housing, the first dispersion generating system definesa second opening, and the first opening and the second opening align.

In some example embodiments, the first dispersion generating systemincludes a sonicator configured to exert a force on a pre-aerosolformulation and a mesh plate adjacent to the pre-aerosol formulation,the mesh plate defining holes such that an aerosol exits the mesh platewhen the sonicator exerts the force on the pre-aerosol formulation, themesh plate separates the pre-aerosol formulation from a channel.

In some example embodiments, the second dispersion generating systemincludes a pre-aerosol formulation reservoir configured to contain apre-aerosol formulation, an inner tube defining a central channelthrough the pre-vapor formulation reservoir and a vibrator configured tovibrate the pre-vapor formulation to generate a vapor.

In some example embodiments, the vibrator is a plate and contacts thepre-vapor formulation reservoir.

In some example embodiments, the inner tube extends from the plate to anend of the pre-vapor formulation reservoir.

In some example embodiments, the first outlet and the second outlet areangled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the e-vaping device.

In some example embodiments, the device further includes a firstcartridge including the first dispersion generating system and a secondcartridge including the second dispersion generation system, the firstcartridge and the second cartridge contacting the outlet end element.

In some example embodiments, each of the first cartridge and the secondcartridge includes an air inlet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodimentsherein may become more apparent upon review of the detailed descriptionin conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawingsare merely provided for illustrative purposes and should not beinterpreted to limit the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawingsare not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. Forpurposes of clarity, various dimensions of the drawings may have beenexaggerated.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an electronic device according to some exampleembodiments.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view the electronic device shown in FIG. 1along line II-II′ according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of theelectronic device shown in FIG. 1 along line II-II′.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cartridge holder according to someexample embodiments.

FIGS. 5A-5D are cartridges that include dispersion generators accordingto some example embodiments.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate example embodiments of an outlet end insert.

FIGS. 7A-7B an outlet end insert according to some example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However,specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merelyrepresentative for purposes of describing example embodiments. Exampleembodiments may, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and shouldnot be construed as limited to only the example embodiments set forthherein.

Accordingly, while example embodiments are capable of variousmodifications and alternative forms, example embodiments thereof areshown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described indetail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent tolimit example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but to thecontrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications,equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of exampleembodiments. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout thedescription of the figures.

It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “covering” another elementor layer, it may be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or coveringthe other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may bepresent. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directlyon,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another elementor layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout the specification. As usedherein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one ormore of the associated listed items.

It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third,or the like, may be used herein to describe various elements,components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components,regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms.These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region,layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a firstelement, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could betermed a second element, component, region, layer, or section withoutdeparting from the teachings of example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms (e.g., “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper,” and the like) may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood thatthe spatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the term “below” may encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptorsused herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing variousexample embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of exampleembodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used inthis specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Example embodiments are described herein with reference tocross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations ofidealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of exampleembodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations asa result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances,are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed aslimited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to includedeviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. Itwill be further understood that terms, including those defined incommonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaningthat is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant artand will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal senseunless expressly so defined herein.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an e-vaping device according to at least oneexample embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device 10along line II-II in FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , a device 10 may include a cover (orfirst section) 70, a reusable base (or second section) 71 and one ormore cartridges 22-1 to 22-N, where “N” is a positive integer.

The base 71 includes a power supply section 72 and a cartridge holder 80in an outer housing 17. The cartridge holder 80 is coupled to the powersupply section 72. The cover 70 and base 71 are coupled together atcomplimentary interfaces 74, 84. In some example embodiments, interface84 is included in the cartridge holder 80, and the cover 70 andcartridge holder 80 may be coupled together via interfaces 74, 84. Insome example embodiments, interface 84 is included in the power supplysection 72, and the cover 70 and power supply section 72 may be coupledtogether via interfaces 74, 84.

In some example embodiments, the interfaces 74, 84 are threadedconnectors. It should be appreciated that an interface 74, 84 may be anytype of connector, including, without limitation, a snug-fit, detent,clamp, bayonet, sliding fit, sleeve fit, alignment fit, magnetic, clasp,or any other type of connection, and/or combinations thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the interfaces 74, 84 may be aconnector as described in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/154,439, filedMay 13, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference thereto. As described in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/154,439,the interfaces 74, 84 may be formed by a deep drawn process.

The outer housing 17 extends in a longitudinal direction. The outerhousing 17 may have a generally cylindrical cross-section. In someexample embodiments, the outer housing 17 may have a generallytriangular cross-section, a generally rectangular cross-section, agenerally oval cross-section, a generally square cross-section, agenerally polygonal cross-section, or any other suitable cross-sectionshape. In some example embodiments, the outer housing 17 may have agreater circumference or dimensions at a second end 50 than at an endnear the interface 84.

In other example embodiments, the outer housing 17 may have a generallyrectangular, oval, square, or polygonal cross-section, or any othersuitable cross-section shape along the base 71.

The device 10 includes an outlet end (e.g., a mouth end) insert 20 at afirst end 42, and an end cap 48 at the second end 50.

Although example embodiments may be described in some instances withregard to the cover 70 coupled to the base 71, example embodimentsshould not be limited to these examples.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the device 10 includes two cartridges. Thus, insome example embodiments, “N” has a value of at least two (2). The cover70 and base 71 may be part of an e-vaping device kit. An e-vaping devicekit may be a package that may include at least one cartridge 22-1 to22-N, a cover 70, a base 71, and a power supply charger configured tocouple with the base 71 and supply electrical power to a power supply 12included therein. As shown in FIG. 2 , the base 71 is configured tocouple with one or more cartridges 22-1 to 22-N to support vaping. Insome example embodiments, a base for an e-vaping device includes thebase 71 and excludes the cover 70.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the device 10 includes multipleseparate cartridges 22-1 to 22-N. As used herein, “N” is a positiveinteger having a value of at least one (1). In some example embodiments,“N” has a value of at least two (2), such that the base 71 is configuredto couple with at least two cartridges 22-1 to 22-N. Cartridges 22-1 to22-N are described in further detail below with regard to FIGS. 5A-5D.

In some example embodiments, each separate cartridge of cartridges 22-1to 22-N includes one or more dispersion generators. In the exampleembodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the separate cartridges 22-1 to 22-Ninclude separate ones of at least first and second dispersion generatorssuch that cartridge 22-1 includes a first dispersion generator andcartridge 22-N includes a second dispersion generator. In some exampleembodiments, and as described further below, at least first and secondcartridges 22-1 to 22-N include different dispersion generatorsconfigured to generate different dispersions.

Dispersion generators, as described herein, may include different typesof dispersion generators configured to generate different types ofdispersions. A dispersion may include a vapor, an aerosol or both avapor and an aerosol. A vapor is a dispersion that is generated throughapplication of heat to a pre-dispersion formulation or throughapplication of mechanical force to a pre-vapor formulation. Apre-dispersion formulation to which heat may be applied to generate avapor may be referred to as a pre-vapor formulation. An aerosol is adispersion that is generated through no heating or reduced heating suchas sonicating, vibrating or a combination of vibrating and sonicatingapplication to a pre-dispersion formulation. A pre-dispersionformulation to which no heating and/or reduced heating may be applied togenerate an aerosol may be referred to as a pre-aerosol formulation.

In some example embodiments, a dispersion generator may be a vaporizerassembly or a nebulizer assembly. A nebulizer assembly may be anatomizer assembly. A vaporizer assembly may generate a dispersion thatis a vapor. A vaporizer assembly may generate the vapor via heating apre-vapor formulation to vaporize at least a portion of the pre-vaporformulation. In an example embodiment, the vaporizer assembly may be apod.

A nebulizer assembly may generate a dispersion that is an aerosol bynon-heating such as by sonication, vibration or a combination ofsonication and vibration. For example, a nebulizer assembly may includea vibrator or sonicator rod. In some example embodiments, the nebulizerassembly may be an atomizer assembly that includes a tank holding apre-aerosol formulation, and the atomizer assembly may further include amechanical element that includes one or more of a valve, pump, sprayer,some combination thereof, or the like.

One or more portions of the nebulizer assembly, including the vibratoror sonicator rod may exert a force on the pre-aerosol formulation togenerate a dispersion that is an aerosol. For example, an atomizerassembly may be configured to generate an aerosol via one or more ofreleasing a pressurized pre-aerosol formulation into a lower-pressureenvironment, spraying pre-aerosol formulation particles, evaporatingvolatile pre-aerosol formulations into an environment, some combinationthereof, etc.

Different dispersion generators may include different formulations. Forexample, the first dispersion generator may be a vaporizer assemblyconfigured to generate a first vapor by heating a pre-vapor formulationand the second dispersion generator may be an atomizer assemblyconfigured to generate a first aerosol by no heating or applying areduced heat (relative to the heat generated by the vaporizer assembly)to a pre-aerosol formulation.

In some example embodiments, a dispersion generator included in at leastone of the cartridges 22-1 to 22-N is configured to generate adispersion that is substantially free of flavorants. Another dispersiongenerator included in another at least one of the cartridges 22-1 to22-N may be configured to generate a separate dispersion that includesone or more flavorants. The separate dispersions generated by thedispersion generators in the separate cartridges 22-1 to 22-N maycombine to generate a flavored dispersion.

In some example embodiments, one or more cartridges 22-1 to 22-N mayinclude one or more air inlet ports 45. Air received into an interior ofthe device 10 via one or more air inlet ports 44 may further be receivedinto an interior of the one or more cartridges 22-1 to 22-N via the oneor more air inlet ports 45.

In some example embodiments, one or more cartridges 22-1 to 22-N includeone or more openings (not shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 ) via which one ormore of air, dispersions, etc. may exit the one or more cartridges 22-1to 22-N.

Still referring to FIG. 2 , the base 71 includes the cartridge holder80. The cartridge holder 80, described in further detail below withregard to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, and FIG. 2C, includes connectors 33-1 to33-N and slots 81-1 to 81-N. The cartridge holder 80 is configured toremovably couple with one or more cartridges 22-1 to 22-N via connectors33-1 to 33-N, such that the one or more cartridges 22-1 to 22-N areremovably electrically coupled with the power supply 12.

The connectors 33-1 to 33-N are configured to be coupled to separatecartridges 22-1 to 22-N and are further coupled to a connector element91 of the control circuitry 11 that is discussed further below. Asdiscussed below, the control circuitry 11 is coupled to a power supply12 in the power supply section 72. Thus, the connectors 33-1 to 33-N mayreceive power from the control circuitry 11 when the connector element91 electrically connects the connectors 33-1 to 33-N to the controlcircuitry 11. Each of connectors 33-1 to 33-N may supply at least aportion of the electrical power from the power supply 12 to a respectivecoupled one of cartridges 22-1 to 22-N. Each of the connectors 33-1 to33-N may include at least an anode connector and a cathode connector tosupply power to an anode connector and a cathode connector of arespective cartridge 22-1 to 22-N.

The separate slots 81-1 to 81-N may be configured to receive andstructurally support separate cartridges 22-1 to 22-N in the device 10.The slots 81-1 to 81-N may be configured to hold separate, respectivecartridges 22-1 to 22-N in contact with separate, respective connectors33-1 to 33-N. In some example embodiments, one or more connectors 33-1to 33-N are included in one or more slots 81-1 to 81-N. At least one ofthe slots 81-1 to 81-N may hold at least one of the cartridges 22-1 to22-N inserted thereto in contact with at least one of the connectors33-1 to 33-N included in the at least one of the slots 81-1 to 81-N. Insome example embodiments, at least one of the slots 81-1 to 81-N isconfigured to hold an inserted at least one of the cartridges 22-1 to22-N in contact with at least one of the connectors 33-1 to 33-N viaestablishing a friction fit or other connection between the at least oneof the slots 81-1 to 81-N and the inserted at least one of thecartridges 22-1 to 22-N.

In the example embodiment of FIG. 2 , the connectors 33-1 to 33-N areconfigured to electrically couple the cartridges 22-1 to 22-N insertedinto respective slots 81-1 to 81-N with the control circuitry 11 viaconnector element 91 to provide power to the cartridges 22-1 to 22-N. Atleast one of the connectors 33-1 to 33-N may be configured toelectrically couple at least one dispersion generator included in atleast one of the cartridges 22-1 to 22-N with the control circuitry 11.At least one of the connectors 33-1 to 33-N may be directly coupled,connected, etc. to a given dispersion generator included in a givencartridge of cartridges 22-1 to 22-N via directly coupling, connecting,etc. with a connector of the given cartridge of cartridges 22-1 to 22-N.

When the cartridge holder 80 is configured to removably couple withmultiple separate cartridges 22-1 to 22-N, the cartridge holder 80 mayenable multiple cartridges 22-1 to 22-N to be removably installed in thedevice 10 at any given time. One or more cartridges 22-1 to 22-N may beindividually or collectively added, removed, swapped, replaced, etc.with regard to the base 71 as desired. For example, a given one ofcartridges 22-1 to 22-N configured to generate a particular dispersionhaving a first flavor may be decoupled from one of connectors 33-1 to33-N and replaced with another one of cartridges 22-1 to 22-N that isconfigured to generate a different dispersion having a different flavor.

As a result, because the cartridge holder 80 may removably couple withmultiple cartridges 22-1 to 22-N, the cartridge holder 80 enablesvariety and customization of the sensory experience provided duringvaping.

In some example embodiments, at least two separate dispersions generatedby at least two separate dispersion generators included in separate onesof at least two separate cartridges 22-1 to 22-N may generate separatedispersions that may combine outside of the device 10. In some exampleembodiments, a device 10, the base 71 or the device 10 and the base 71is configured to enable manual coupling of various different cartridges22-1 to 22-N to the cartridge holder 80 to configure the device 10, thebase 71 or the device 10 and the base 71 to generate dispersions withvarious manually-selected combinations of flavors.

In some example embodiments, one or more of the cartridges 22-1 to 22-Nmay be replaceable and/or refillable. In other words, once one of theformulations of one of the cartridges 22-1 to 22-N is depleted, only thecartridge of cartridges 22-1 to 22-N needs to be replaced or refilled.The cartridges 22-1 to 22-N may be interchangeably coupled with theconnectors 33-1 to 33-N. At least one of cartridges 22-1 to 22-N may beswapped for another at least one of the cartridges 22-1 to 22-N. Analternate arrangement may include an example embodiment where the entiredevice 10 may be disposed once one of the formulations is depleted.

As an example in FIG. 2 , the cartridge 22-1 may be replaceable. Thecartridge 22-N may be replaceable and refillable. An opening 37 in theouter housing 16 aligns with an opening of the cartridge 22-N to pour apre-vapor formulation or pre-aerosol formulation into the cartridge22-N. A removable plug 38 may seal the opening 37 to prevent any leakingexternal to the outer housing 16.

Still referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the device 10 includes a cover 70that may be removably coupled to one or more of the cartridge holder 80or the power supply section 72 to establish a removable enclosure ofcartridges 22-1 to 22-N coupled to the cartridge holder 80. The cover 70may be configured to establish a removable enclosure of the connectors33-1 to 33-N, such that the cover 70 may establish a removable enclosureof one or more cartridges 22-1 to 22-N when the one or more cartridges22-1 to 22-N are coupled to one or more of the connectors 33-1 to 33-N.

The cover 70 includes an outer housing 16, an outlet end insert 20 at anoutlet end of the outer housing 16, and an interface 74 at a tip end ofthe outer housing 16. The outer housing 16 extends in a longitudinaldirection. The outer housing 16 may have a generally cylindricalcross-section. In some example embodiments, the outer housing 16 mayhave a generally triangular cross-section, a generally rectangularcross-section, a generally oval cross-section, a generally squarecross-section, a generally polygonal cross-section, or any othersuitable cross-section shape along the cover 70. In some exampleembodiments, the outer housing 16 may have a greater circumference ordimensions at a tip end than at an outlet end of the device 10.

In other example embodiments, the outer housing 16 may have a generallyrectangular, oval, square, or polygonal cross-section, or any othersuitable cross-section shape along the first section 105, the base 110,or both.

Furthermore, the housings 16 and 17 may have the same or differentcross-section shape, or the same or different size.

The outlet end insert 20 is positioned at an outlet end of the cover 70.The outlet end insert 20 includes N outlet ports 21, which may belocated on-axis and/or off-axis from the longitudinal axis of the device10. The outlet ports 21 may be angled outwardly in relation to thelongitudinal axis of the device 10. The outlet ports 21 may bedistributed about the outlet end insert 20 so as to align with thecartridges 22-1 to 22-N, respectively. Thus, as the dispersion is drawnthrough the outlet ports 21, the dispersion may move in differentdirections.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the cartridges 22-1 to 22-N contactthe outlet end insert 20 or have minimal spacing between the cartridges22-1 to 22-N to prevent and/or reduce particles produced by thedispersion generator in the cartridge 22-1 from mixing with smallerparticles generated by the dispersion generator in the cartridge 22-N

In an embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the cartridge holder 80 may include adivider 23 configured to partition a portion of the outer housing 16interior when the cover 70 is coupled to the base 71. In some exampleembodiments, the divider 23 partitions the connectors 33-1 to 33-N, suchthat the separate cartridges 22-1 to 22-N coupled to the separateconnectors 33-1 to 33-N may generate separate dispersions in isolationfrom each other. In some example embodiments, the divider 23 is coupledto the outer housing 16 instead of being coupled to the cartridge holder80, and the divider 23 partitions the connectors 33-1 to 33-N based onthe cover 70 being coupled to the base 71. The divider 23 may extendfrom the cartridge holder 80 to the outlet end insert 20 to preventand/or reduce dispersions generated by the dispersion generators in thecartridges 22-1 to 22-N from mixing within the device 10. For example,the divider 23 may prevent and/or reduce particles produced by thedispersion generator in the cartridge 22-1 from mixing with smallerparticles generated by the dispersion generator in the cartridge 22-N.

The cover 70 may define an enclosure that includes passages 24A to 24Nwithin the outer housing 16 interior. Dispersions generated by theseparate dispersion generators included in the separate, respectivecartridges 22-1 to 22-N may pass through the passages 24A to 24N to theoutlet ports 21 of the outlet end insert 20 to exit the device 10 duringvaping. Thus, a dispersions may be generated and emitted as separatedispersions, where the separate dispersions are generated separately byseparate dispersion generators included in separate cartridges 22-1 to22-N.

In some example embodiments, maintaining separate dispersions in thecover 70 mitigates chemical reactions between the separate elements ofthe separate dispersions. For example, isolating the dispersions in thecover 70 may result in dispersions of different physiochemicalproperties being provided to an adult vaper.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2 , the device 10 includes one or more air inletports 44. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , airinlet ports 44 are included in both the outer housing 16 of the cover 70and the outer housing 17 of the base 71. In some example embodiments,the device 10 may include one or more air inlet ports 44 restricted tothe outer housing 16 of the cover 70. In some example embodiments, thee-vaping device may include one or more air inlet ports 44 restricted tothe outer housing 17 of the base 71.

It should be appreciated that more than two air inlet ports 44 may beincluded in the outer housing 16, the outer housing 17 or both the outerhousing 16 and the outer housing 17. Alternatively, a single air inletport 44 may be included in the outer housing 16 or the outer housing 17.Such arrangement may also reinforce the area of air inlet ports 44 tofacilitate precise drilling of the air inlet ports 44. In some exampleembodiments, one or more air inlet ports 44 may be provided in theinterface 74.

In some example embodiments, at least one air inlet port 44 may beformed in the outer housing 16, adjacent to the interface 74 to minimizethe probability of an adult vaper's fingers occluding one of the portsand to control the resistance-to-draw (RTD) during vaping. In someexample embodiments, the air inlet ports 44 may be machined into theouter housing 16 with precision tooling such that their diameters areclosely controlled and replicated from one device 10 to the next duringmanufacture.

In some example embodiments, one or more air inlet ports 44 may bedrilled with carbide drill bits or other high-precision tools and/ortechniques. In yet a further example embodiment, the outer housing 16may be formed of metal or metal alloys such that the size and shape ofthe air inlet ports 44 may not be altered during manufacturingoperations, packaging, and vaping. Thus, the air inlet ports 44 mayprovide consistent RTD. In yet a further example embodiment, the airinlet ports 44 may be sized and configured such that the device 10 has aRTD in the range of from about 60 mm H₂O to about 150 mm H₂O.

In some example embodiments, the cartridge holder 80 includes one ormore air inlet ports 89. The air inlet ports 89 may be configured toestablish one or more air passages between an interior of the base 71and at least one of slots 81-1 to 81-N. In the example embodiment shownin FIG. 2 , the cartridge holder 80 includes separate air inlet ports 89that are each configured to direct air into a separate slot of the slots81-1 to 81-N. Air drawn into the interior of the base 71 through one ormore air inlet ports 44 formed on the outer housing 17 may be drawn intoone or more of the slots 81-1 to 81-N through one or more air inletports 89 included in the cartridge holder 80.

If and/or when an air inlet port 89 establishes an air passage betweenthe interior of the base 71 and at least one slot 81-1 to 81-N in whichat least one cartridge 22-1 to 22-N is located, air drawn through theair inlet port 89 from the interior of the base 71 may be drawn into theat least one of the cartridges 22-1 to 22-N via one or more air inletports 45.

Still referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the power supply section 72includes a sensor 13 responsive to air drawn into the power supplysection 72 via an air inlet port 44a adjacent to a free end or tip endof the device 10 coupled to the control circuitry 11, at least one powersupply 12, end cap 48, connector element 91, and control circuitry 11.The sensor 13 may include one or more various types of sensors,including a negative pressure sensor, a button interface sensor, amicroelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor, a sub-combination thereofor a combination thereof. The power supply 12 may include a battery. Thebattery may be a rechargeable battery.

According to at least one example embodiment, the sensor 13 may includeone or more features set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,321 to Loi LingLiu and/or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0305410 to LoiLing Liu, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated hereinby reference. However, example embodiments should not be limited to thisexample.

Electrical power may be supplied from the power supply 12 (via thecontrol circuitry 11) to the electrically coupled cartridges 22-1 to22-N upon the sensor 13 generating a signal indicative of a vapingcondition (e.g., the control circuitry 11 detects a signal from thesensor 13 indicating a pressure above a threshold level).

The power supply 12 may be a known power supply such as a Lithium-ionbattery or a fuel cell. The device 10 may be usable by an adult vaperuntil the energy in the power supply 12 is depleted or in the case of alithium polymer battery, a minimum voltage cut-off level is achieved.

Further, the power supply 12 may be rechargeable and may includecircuitry configured to allow the battery to be chargeable by anexternal charging device and/or solar panels. To recharge the device 10,a Uniform Serial Bus (USB) charger or other suitable charger assemblymay be used.

In addition, the at least one air inlet port 44 a is located adjacent tothe sensor 13, such that the sensor 13 may sense air flow indicative ofan adult vaper initiating vaping.

Further, the control circuitry 11 may independently control the supplyof electrical power from the power supply 12 to one or more of thecartridges 22-1 to 22-N responsive to the sensor 13. In some exampleembodiments, the control circuitry 11 may include a manually operableswitch for an adult vaper to initiate vaping. A time-period of theelectric current supply to a cartridge of cartridges 22-1 to 22-N may bepre-set depending on the amount of dispersion desired to be generated.In some example embodiments, the control circuitry 11 may control thesupply of electrical power to a dispersion generator included in acartridge of cartridges 22-1 to 22-N as long as the sensor 13 detects apressure drop.

To control the supply of electrical power to at least one of thecartridges 22-1 to 22-N, the control circuitry 11 may execute one ormore instances of computer-executable code. The control circuitry 11 mayinclude processing circuitry 96 and a memory 97. The memory may be acomputer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable code.

The processing circuitry 96 may include, but not limited to, aprocessor, Central Processing Unit (CPU), a controller, an arithmeticlogic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), a System-on-Chip (SoC), a programmablelogic unit, a microprocessor, or any other device capable of respondingto and executing instructions in a defined manner. In some exampleembodiments, the control circuitry 11 may be an application-specificintegrated circuit (ASIC).

The control circuitry 11 may be configured as a special purpose machineby executing computer-readable program code stored on a storage device.The program code may include program or computer-readable instructions,software elements, software modules, data files, data structures, and/orthe like, capable of being implemented by one or more hardware devices,such as one or more of the control circuitry mentioned above. Examplesof program code include both machine code produced by a compiler andhigher level program code that is executed using an interpreter.

The memory 97 may be tangible or non-transitory computer-readablestorage media, such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory(ROM), a permanent mass storage device (such as a disk drive), solidstate (e.g., NAND flash) device, and/or any other like data storagemechanism capable of storing and recording data.

In some example embodiments, the control circuitry 11 may independentlyadjustably control one or more aspects of the electrical power suppliedto respective dispersion generators included in one or more of therespective cartridges 22-1 to 22-N via the respective connectors 33-1 to33-N. In some example embodiments, the control circuitry 11 selectivelycontrols the supply of electrical power to a selected one or more of thecartridges 22-1 to 22-N, such that at least one dispersion generatorincluded in one or more cartridges 22-1 to 22-N does not generate adispersion. In some example embodiments, the control circuitry 11controls the supply of electrical power to the cartridges 22-1 to 22-N,so that the dispersion generators included in the separate cartridges22-1 to 22-N generate separate dispersions at different times. Thecontrol circuitry 11 may control the supply of electrical power tocontrol the generation and delivery of dispersions. Such control mayinclude extending the duration of dispersion generation by one or moredispersion generators.

In some example embodiments, the control circuitry 11 may independentlycontrol dispersion generation by separate dispersion generators includedin separate cartridges 22-1 to 22-N. For example, the control circuitry11 may independently control the supply of electrical power to theseparate cartridges 22-1 to 22-N via independent control of the supplyof electrical power to one or more of the respective connectors 33-1 to33-N.

In some example embodiments, the control circuitry 11 may independentlycontrol one or more aspects of electrical power supplied to one or moreseparate cartridges 22-1 to 22-N to independently control dispersiongeneration by one or more dispersion generators included in the one ormore separate cartridges 22-1 to 22-N. To control dispersion generationby a dispersion generator, the control circuitry 11 may execute one ormore instances of computer-executable code. The control circuitry 11 mayinclude a processor and a memory. The memory may be a computer-readablestorage medium storing computer-executable code.

In some example embodiments, a dispersion generator included in at leastone of the cartridges 22-1 to 22-N is a vaporizer assembly that includesa reservoir, wick, and heater, and another one of the cartridges 22-1 to22-N. The control circuitry 11 may independently control vaporgeneration by the vaporizer assembly by controlling the supply ofelectrical power to the heater of the vaporizer assembly. The reservoirmay hold one or more pre-vapor formulations. The wick may be coupled tothe reservoir and may draw pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir. Theheater may be coupled to the wick and may be configured to heat thedrawn pre-vapor formulation to generate a vapor. The vaporizer assemblymay include a connector to which the heater may be electrically coupled.Coupling the connector of the vaporizer assembly to at least one of theconnectors 33-1 to 33-N may electrically couple the heater to a powersupply 12 via the at least one of the connectors 33-1 to 33-N.

In some example embodiments, control circuitry 11 may selectively andindependently control the supply of electrical power to separatecartridges to activate the separate dispersion generators included inthe separate cartridges 22-1 to 22-N at different times. For example,the control circuitry 11 may activate one dispersion generator includedin a cartridge 22-1 prior to activating another dispersion generatorincluded in cartridge 22-N. In another example, the control circuitry 11may maintain activation of one dispersion generator included incartridge 22-1 subsequent to ending an activation of another dispersiongenerator included in cartridge 22-N.

In some example embodiments, the control circuitry 11 may control thesupply of electrical power to activate separate dispersion generatorsincluded in separate cartridges 22-1 to 22-N at different times, suchthat separate cartridges 22-1 to 22-N generate separate dispersionsduring different, at least partially non-overlapping time periods. Thecontrol circuitry 11 may control the supply of electrical power toseparate cartridges 22-1 to 22-N according to an activation sequence, sothat separate dispersions are generated in the device 10 in a particularsequence according to the activation sequence. Generating separatedispersions according to a particular sequence may provide a sequence ofdispersions, one or more combined dispersions, etc. during vaping. Sucha sequence of dispersions, one or more combined dispersions, etc. mayenhance a sensory experience provided by an e-vaping device.

For example, the control circuitry 11 may control the supply ofelectrical power to cartridges 22-1 to 22-N to activate two separatedispersion generators respectively included in two separate cartridges22-1 to 22-N in an alternating sequence, where the control circuitry 11activates alternate dispersion generators in alternate cartridges 22-1to 22-N according to successive vaping command signals. Successivevaping command signals may be generated by the sensor 13. As a result,the control circuitry 11 may switch between activating separatedispersion generators included in separate cartridges 22-1 to 22-N in analternating sequence. Such an alternating activation of separatedispersion generators may enhance a sensory experience provided by adevice 10 during vaping. For example, by alternating between separatedispersion generators, the control circuitry 11 may mitigate a buildupof heat in any one dispersion generator due to successive vapings,thereby mitigating a risk of overheating of the device 10, heat-inducedchemical reactions involving multiple formulations, etc.

In some example embodiments, one or more cartridges 22-1 to 22-N includeone or more storage devices (not shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 ), where theone or more storage devices store information associated with therespective one or more cartridges 22-1 to 22-N in which the one or morestorage devices are included. The control circuitry 11 may access theinformation from the one or more storage devices. The control circuitry11 may establish a communication link with one or more storage devicesof one or more cartridges 22-1 to 22-N based on the one or morecartridges 22-1 to 22-N being electrically coupled to at least a portionof the base 71 via coupling with one or more connectors 33-1 to 33-N. Insome example embodiments, electrically coupling a given cartridge ofcartridges 22-1 to 22-N with the power supply 12 via coupling the givencartridge of cartridges 22-1 to 22-N to a connector of connectors 33-1to 33-N includes communicatively coupling the control circuitry 11 withthe cartridge of cartridges 22-1 to 22-N via the connector of connectors33-1 to 33-N.

As discussed further below with reference to FIGS. 5A-5D, theinformation stored on a storage device of a given cartridge ofcartridges 22-1 to 22-N may include information indicating an identityof a dispersion generator included in the given cartridge 22, adispersion generator “type” of the given dispersion generator (e.g.,vaporizer assembly or nebulizer assembly), particular properties ofelectrical power to supply to the given cartridge of cartridges 22-1 to22-N to control dispersion generation by the dispersion generatorincluded in the given cartridge 22, properties of one or moreformulations held in the dispersion generator in the given cartridge 22,timing control parameters for supplying electrical power to the givencartridge 22, some combination thereof, or the like.

The control circuitry 11 may independently control dispersion generationby one or more of the dispersion generators included in one or more ofthe cartridges 22-1 to 22-N based on information accessed from one ormore storage devices included in the one or more cartridges 22-1 to 22-Nby the control circuitry 11. The control circuitry 11 may, for example,control one or more parameters (e.g., voltage, current and time periodof electrical power supplied) of electrical power supplied to acartridge 22, thereby controlling dispersion generation by thedispersion generator included in the given cartridge 22, based on one ormore portions of the information associated with one or more of thecartridges 22-1 to 22-N coupled to the base 71. By including controlcircuitry 11 that is configured to independently control dispersiongeneration by dispersion generators included in coupled cartridges 22-1to 22-N based on associated information accessed from storage devices inone or more cartridges 22-1 to 22-N, a base 71 may provide an improvedsensory experience.

As described herein, activating a dispersion generator included in acartridge of cartridges 22-1 to 22-N may include causing the dispersiongenerator to generate a dispersion. Such activating may include, forexample, supplying electrical power to a heater included in thedispersion generator to vaporize a pre-vapor formulation. Suchactivating may also include supplying electrical power to asprayer/sonication assembly, valve assembly, etc. included in thedispersion generator to release a pre-dispersion formulation into anexternal environment.

A flavorant may include a compound or combination of compounds that mayprovide flavor and/or aroma. In some example embodiments, a flavorantmay include one or more volatile flavor substances.

A flavorant may include one or more of a natural flavorant or anartificial (“synthetic”) flavorant. In some example embodiments, aflavorant is one or more of tobacco flavor, menthol, wintergreen,peppermint, herb flavors, fruit flavors, nut flavors, liquor flavors, orcombinations thereof. In some example embodiments, a flavorant isincluded in a botanical material. A botanical material may includematerial of one or more plants. A botanical material may include one ormore herbs, spices, fruits, roots, leaves, grasses, or the like. Forexample, a botanical material may include orange rind material andsweetgrass material. In another example, a botanical material mayinclude tobacco material.

In some example embodiments, the tobacco material may include materialfrom any member of the genus Nicotiana. In some example embodiments, thetobacco material includes a blend of two or more different tobaccovarieties. Examples of suitable types of tobacco materials that may beused include, but are not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, Burleytobacco, Maryland tobacco, Oriental tobacco, rare tobacco, specialtytobacco, blends thereof and the like. The tobacco material may beprovided in any suitable form, including, but not limited to, tobaccolamina, processed tobacco materials, such as volume expanded or puffedtobacco, processed tobacco stems, such as cut-rolled or cut-puffedsterns, reconstituted tobacco materials, blends thereof, and the like.In some example embodiments, the tobacco material is in the form of asubstantially dry tobacco mass.

A formulation, which may include a pre-dispersion formulation, apre-aerosol formulation or a pre-vapor formulation, is a material orcombination of materials that may be transformed into a dispersion. Forexample, the formulation may be a liquid, solid and/or gel formulationincluding, but not limited to, water, beads, solvents, activeingredients, ethanol, plant materials including fibers and extracts,natural or artificial flavors, and/or dispersion formers such asglycerin and propylene glycol. The formulation may include thosedescribed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0020823 toLipowicz et al. filed Jul. 16, 2014 and U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0313275 to Anderson et al. filed Jan. 21, 2015, theentire contents of each of which is incorporated herein by referencethereto.

The formulation may include nicotine or may exclude nicotine. Theformulation may include one or more tobacco flavors. The formulation mayinclude one or more flavors which are separate from the one or moretobacco flavors.

In some example embodiments, a formulation that includes nicotine mayalso include one or more acids. The one or more acids may be one or moreof pyruvic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, glycolic acid, acetic acid,isovaleric acid, valeric acid, propionic acid, octanoic acid, lacticacid, levulinic acid, sorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, succinicacid, citric acid, benzoic acid, oleic acid, aconitic acid, butyricacid, cinnamic acid, decanoic acid, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoic acid,1-glutamic acid, heptanoic acid, hexanoic acid, 3-hexenoic acid,trans-2-hexenoic acid, isobutyric acid, lauric acid, 2-methylbutyricacid, 2-methylvaleric acid, myristic acid, nonanoic acid, palmitic acid,4-penenoic acid, phenylacetic acid, 3-phenylpropionic acid, hydrochloricacid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, or combinations thereof.

In some example embodiments, a dispersion generator may generate adispersion that is substantially free of one or more materials being ina gas phase. For example, the dispersion may include one or morematerials substantially in a particulate phase and substantially not ina gas phase.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cartridge holder according to someexample embodiments. The cartridge holder 80 shown in FIG. 4 may be thecartridge holder 80 included in FIGS. 1-3 .

As shown in FIG. 2A, the cartridge holder 80 may include multipleseparate slots 81-1 to 81-N. The cartridge holder 80 may have a diameter93 corresponding to a diameter of the device 10, the base 71 or both thedevice 10 and the base 71. While the cartridge holder 80 is illustratedas circular, example embodiments are not limited thereto. The cartridgeholder 80 may be another shape such as elliptical or rectangular. Eachof slots 81-1 to 81-N may extend a length 87. At least part of thelength 87 of at least one of the slots 81-1 to 81-N may extend into thecartridge holder 80. The length 87 of at least one of the slots 81-1 to81-N may be less than a full length 85 of at least one of the cartridges22-1 to 22-N that the given at least one of the slots 81-1 to 81-N isconfigured to receive. As a result, at least one of the cartridges 22-1to 22-N inserted into a given slot of slots 81-1 to 81-N, such that thecartridge of cartridges 22-1 to 22-N completely fills the given slot ofslots 81-1 to 81-N and/or may at least partially extend out of the slotof slots 81-1 to 81-N. Each of slots 81-1 to 81-N may have a givendiameter 83. The diameter 83 of a given slot of slots 81-1 to 81-N maycorrespond to an external diameter 88 of at least one of the cartridges22-1 to 22-N that the given slot of slots 81-1 to 81-N is configured toreceive. Different slots 81-1 to 81-N included in the cartridge holder80 may be configured to receive different cartridges 22-1 to 22-N. Thus,different slots 81-1 to 81-N may have different dimensions, includingdifferent diameters 83, lengths 87, shapes, and some combinationthereof.

In some example embodiments, a cartridge holder 80 may include at leastone of the connectors 33-1 to 33-N that at least partially extends intoat least one of the slots 81-1 to 81-N. A portion of a connector ofconnectors 33-1 to 33-N that extends into a slot of slots 81-1 to 81-Nmay be referred to herein as a portion of the connector of connectors33-1 to 33-N that is included in the slot of slots 81-1 to 81-N.

The portion of a given connector of connectors 33-1 to 33-N included ina given slot of slots 81-1 to 81-N may include an electrical interfaceconfigured to electrically couple with a connector of at least one ofthe cartridges 22-1 to 22-N. For example, connector 33-1 included inslot 81-1 may be configured to electrically couple with a connector 86-1of the given cartridge 22-1. The slot 81-1 may hold the cartridge 22-1in contact with the connector 33-1.

The portion of a given connector of connectors 33-1 to 33-N included ina given slot of slots 81-1 to 81-N may include a connection interfaceconfigured to directly couple, connect, etc. with at least one connectorof at least one of the cartridges 22-1 to 22-N. For example, connector33-1 included may be configured to connect with a connector 86-1 of thegiven cartridge 22-1 when the cartridge 22-1 is inserted into the slot81-1. The connector 33-1 may be configured to electrically couple acartridge 22-1 with a power supply via directly connecting with aconnector 86-1 of the cartridge 22-1.

In some example embodiments, a given slot of slots 81-1 to 81-N isconfigured to accommodate one or more different cartridges 22-1 to 22-N.For example, a slot 81-1 may accommodate a first cartridge of cartridges22-1 to 22-N that includes a vaporizer assembly, and the slot 81-1 mayalternatively accommodate a second cartridge of cartridges 22-1 to 22-Nthat includes a nebulizer assembly. The first and second cartridges 22-1to 22-N may be interchangeably swapped from the slot 81-1. For example,the first and second cartridges 22-1 to 22-N may each have a connector86-1 configured to connect with the connector 33-1 coupled to the givenslot 81-1.

Because different cartridges 22-1 to 22-N may be interchangeablyinstalled, removed, etc. from one or more of the slots 81-1 to 81-N, andbecause different cartridges 22-1 to 22-N may include differentdispersion generators, the device 10 may be configured to generatevarious combined dispersions as desired by an adult vaper. The adultvaper may install selected cartridges 22-1 to 22-N in one or more of theslots 81-1 to 81-N, swap a cartridge of cartridges 22-1 to 22-N in aslot of slots 81-1 to 81-N for a different cartridge of cartridges 22-1to 22-N as desired, etc. As a result, the adult vaper may customize thecombined dispersion provided by the e-vaping device, thereby customizingthe sensory experience provided by the device 10. Furthermore, thedevice 10 enables the combined dispersion to be generated with mitigatedrisk of chemical reactions between the separate dispersions that combineto generate the combined dispersion.

Because the cartridge holder 80 may include different connectors 33-1 to33-N configured to couple with different sets of cartridges 22-1 to22-N, the cartridge holder 80 may enable different types of dispersiongenerators (e.g., vaporizer assemblies, nebulizer assemblies, etc.)included in different cartridges 22-1 to 22-N to be included in a commonthe device 10, the base 71 or both the device 10 and the base 71. Inaddition, the cartridge holder may enable different cartridges includingdifferent dispersion generators, even dispersion generators of a commontype, to be included in a common device 10, a base 71 or both the device10 and the based 71 even through the different dispersion generators mayhave different connectors, dimensions, etc.

As an example, connectors 33-1 and 86-1 may be complementary bayonetconnector elements, and connector 86-N may be a threaded connector, suchthat connector 33-1 is restricted from coupling with connector 86-N.

Connector 33-N is configured to couple with connector 86-N of cartridge22-N and is restricted from coupling with connector 86-1 of cartridge22-1. For example, connectors 33-N and 86-N may be complementarythreaded connector elements, and connector 86-1 may be a bayonetconnector, such that connector 33-N is restricted from coupling withconnector 86-1.

In some example embodiments, a cartridge holder 80 may couple with acartridge 22-1 via a connector 33-N that is restricted from beingdirectly coupled with a connector 86-1 of the cartridge 22-1. An adaptermay enable such coupling.

As a result, the adapter and the cartridge holder 80 may enable adispersion generator to be coupled to the connector, where thedispersion generator would otherwise be restricted from being coupled toa connector of the cartridge holder.

FIG. 5A is a cartridge 22 that includes a dispersion generator 300Aaccording to some example embodiments. FIG. 5B is a cartridge 22 thatincludes a dispersion generator 300B according to some exampleembodiments. FIG. 5C is a cartridge 22 that includes a dispersiongenerator 300C according to some example embodiments. FIG. 5D is acartridge 22 that includes a dispersion generator 300D according to someexample embodiments. Each of the cartridges 22 shown in FIGS. 5A-5D maybe included in any and all embodiments of cartridges included herein,including one or more of the cartridges 22-1 to 22-N shown in FIGS. 2-3.

FIG. 5A illustrates a cartridge 22 that includes a dispersion generator300A that is a vaporizer assembly, according to some exampleembodiments. As shown in FIG. 5A, the dispersion generator 300A mayinclude a reservoir 309 for a pre-vapor formulation, a wick 308 that isconfigured to draw the pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir 309, anda heater 306 that may heat the drawn pre-vapor formulation to vaporizethe pre-vapor formulation and generate a vapor.

The cartridge 22 may include an outer housing 301 extending in alongitudinal direction and an inner tube 312 coaxially positioned withinthe outer housing 301. The outer housing 301 may have a generallycylindrical cross-section. In some example embodiments, the outerhousing 301 may have a generally triangular cross-section. In someexample embodiments, the outer housing 301 may have a greatercircumference or dimensions at a tip end than at an outlet end of thecartridge 22.

The cartridge 22 may include a connector 86 at a tip end. The connector86 may be configured to physically couple with an interface included inone or more sections of the device 10, the base 71 or both the device 10and the base 71. In some example embodiments, the connector 86 includesan electrical interface. The electrical interface may be configured toelectrically couple one or more portions of the cartridge 22 to thecontrol circuitry 11 based on the connector 86 coupling with a portionof one or more sections of the device 10, the base 71 or both the device10 and the device 71, including the power supply section 72. In theillustrated embodiment, for example, heater 306 is electrically coupledto connector 86 via electrical leads 307. The heater 306 may be suppliedwith electrical power from a power supply to which the connector 86 andelectrical leads 307 electrically couple the heater 306.

At one end of the inner tube 312, a nose portion of a gasket (or seal)317 may be fitted into an end portion of the inner tube 312, while anouter perimeter of the gasket 317 may provide a substantially tight sealwith an interior surface of the outer housing 301. The gasket 317 mayalso include a central, longitudinal channel 318, which opens into aninterior of the inner tube 312 that defines a central channel 320. Aspace 321 at a backside portion of the gasket 317 may intersect andcommunicate with the central channel 318 of the gasket 317. This space321 assures communication between the central channel 318 and one ormore air inlet ports 45.

In some example embodiments, a nose portion of another gasket 315 may befitted into another end portion of the inner tube 312. An outerperimeter of the gasket 315 may provide a substantially tight seal withan interior surface of the outer housing 301. The gasket 315 may includea central channel 316 disposed between the central channel 320 of theinner tube 312 and an opening 303 at an outlet end of the outer housing301. The central channel 316 may transport a vapor from the centralchannel 320 to the opening 303 to exit the dispersion generator 300A.

The space defined between the gaskets 315 and 317 and the outer housing301 and the inner tube 312 may establish the confines of the reservoir309. The reservoir 309 may include a pre-vapor formulation, andoptionally a storage medium configured to store the pre-vaporformulation therein. The storage medium may include a winding of cottongauze or other fibrous material about a portion of the dispersiongenerator 300A. The reservoir 309 may be contained in an outer annulusbetween the inner tube 312 and the outer housing 301 and between thegaskets 315 and 317. Thus, the reservoir 309 may at least partiallysurround the central channel 320. The heater 306 may extend transverselyacross the central channel 320 between opposing portions of thereservoir 309. In some example embodiments, the heater 306 may extendparallel to a longitudinal axis of the central channel 320.

The dispersion generator 300A may include a wick 308 configured to drawpre-vapor formulation from the reservoir 309, such that the pre-vaporformulation may be vaporized from the wick 308 based on heating of thewick 308 by the heater 306. During vaping, pre-vapor formulation may betransferred from the reservoir 309 and/or storage medium in theproximity of the heater 306 via capillary action of the wick 308. Thewick 308 may include a first end portion and a second end portion, whichmay extend into opposite sides of the reservoir 309. Wick end portionsmay be referred to herein as wick roots. The heater 306 may at leastpartially surround a central portion of the wick such that when theheater 306 is activated, the pre-vapor formulation in the centralportion of the wick 308 may be vaporized by the heater 306 to generate avapor. The central portion of a wick may be referred to herein as a wicktrunk.

The wick 308 may include filaments (or threads) having a capacity todraw the pre-vapor formulation.

In some example embodiments, the heater 306 may include a wire coilwhich at least partially surrounds the wick 308 in the dispersiongenerator 300A. The wire may be a metal wire and/or the wire coil mayextend fully or partially along the length of the wick. The wire coilmay further extend fully or partially around the circumference of thewick. In some example embodiments, the wire coil may or may not be incontact with the wick.

The wire coil may be formed of any suitable electrically resistivematerials. The heater 306 may include at least one material selectedfrom the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, copper alloys,nickel-chromium alloys, super alloys and combinations thereof. In anexample embodiment, the heater 306 may be formed of nickel-chromiumalloys or iron-chromium alloys. In another example embodiment, theheater 306 may be a ceramic heater having an electrically resistivelayer on an outside surface thereof.

It should be appreciated that, instead of using a wick, the heater 306may be a porous material which incorporates a resistance heater formedof a material having a high electrical resistance capable of generatingheat quickly.

The cartridge 22 may include an opening 303 in the outer housing 301. Avapor generated by the heater 306 of the dispersion generator 300A maybe directed out of the dispersion generator 300A through the centralchannel 316 and the opening 303 to exit the cartridge 22.

In some example embodiments, a cartridge 22 includes one or more storagedevices 390. A storage device 390 may be configured to be electrically,communicatively coupled to connector 86. The storage device 390 mayinclude information associated with the dispersion generator 300included in the cartridge 22 in which the storage device 390 isincluded. Such information may be referred to as “cartridgeinformation,” where the cartridge information stored in a storage device390 of a given cartridge 22 includes information associated with thedispersion generator included in the given cartridge. The cartridgeinformation associated with the dispersion generator 300 may includeinformation uniquely identifying one or more elements of the dispersiongenerator, including the dispersion generator 300 itself, a formulationheld by the dispersion generator 300, information indicating adispersion generator “type” of the given dispersion generator 300 (e.g.,vaporizer assembly or nebulizer assembly), or some combination thereof.Formulation information may include information indicating a flavorassociated with a dispersion generated by the given dispersion generator300, viscosity information associated with the formulation, etc. Theinformation may indicate one or more parameters of electrical power tobe supplied to the dispersion generator 300 via connector 86 duringvaping, including one or more of a particular voltage, current, timeperiod during which to supply the electrical power, etc. The informationmay indicate a particular sequence according to which the dispersiongenerator is to be activated.

The cartridge information associated with the dispersion generator 300,stored in the storage device 390, may be accessed via connector 86 bythe control circuitry 11 to which the given dispersion generator 300 maybe coupled through connector 86. The control circuitry 11 mayindependently control dispersion generation by one or more dispersiongenerators 300 based on the accessed cartridge information.

As shown in FIG. 5B, a dispersion generator 300B included in a cartridge22 may be an atomizer assembly that includes a pre-aerosol formulationemitter 330 configured to release a pre-aerosol formulation into anexternal environment to generate an aerosol. The emitter 330 may be oneor more of a fluid sprayer, compressed gas emitter, vibrator, sonicator,etc. As shown, the emitter 330 includes a reservoir housing 331 in whicha pre-aerosol formulation 332 is held. In some example embodiments, thereservoir housing 331 is at least partially incorporated into the outerhousing 301 of the cartridge 22.

In some example embodiments, the emitter 330 holds a pre-aerosolformulation at an elevated pressure, relative to an external environmentof the emitter 330. For example, the pre-aerosol formulation may be apressurized gas.

The emitter 330 includes a dispensing interface 334 configured torelease the pre-aerosol formulation 332 into the external environmentthrough opening 303. The dispensing interface 334 may be electricallycoupled to connector 86 via one or more electrical leads 307, such thatone or more portions of the dispensing interface 334 may be selectivelycontrolled to release a pre-aerosol formulation.

The dispensing interface includes a channel 336 and a dispensing controlelement 335. The dispensing control element 335 controls a release ofthe pre-aerosol formulation into the external environment via channel336. In some example embodiments, the dispensing control element 335 isa valve assembly. A valve assembly may be controlled to releasepre-aerosol formulation based on a supply of electrical power to thevalve assembly via electrical leads 307.

For example, where the emitter 330 is a pressurized gas emitter, thedispensing control element 335 may be a valve assembly configured toselectively release pressurized gas to generate an aerosol. In someexample embodiments, the pre-aerosol formulation 332 is held in thereservoir housing 331 in a phase that is separate from a pure gas phaseand at an elevated pressure, and the emitter 330 is configured togenerate an aerosol based on a pressure differential across thedispensing control element 335 that includes a valve assembly as thepre-aerosol formulation passes through the channel 336 to the externalenvironment.

In another example, where the emitter 330 is a fluid sprayer, thedispensing control element 335 may be a sprayer assembly configured tospray a fluid pre-aerosol formulation 332 into the external environmentto generate an aerosol. In some example embodiments, the sprayerassembly includes a pump device.

In some example embodiments, the pre-aerosol formulation 332 includes avolatile substance, and the volatile substance may vaporize to generatean aerosol when the pre-aerosol formulation 332 is released into anexternal environment by the dispensing interface 334.

As shown in FIG. 5C, a dispersion generator 300C included in a cartridge22 may be a nebulizer assembly that includes a rod 350 configured togenerate aerosol from the pre-aerosol formulation 332. In some exampleembodiments, the rod 350 is a sonicator that generates ultrasonic wavesto cause at least some of the pre-aerosol formulation 332 to transforminto an aerosol at a surface of a mesh plate 352. In other exampleembodiments, the rod 350 is a vibrate that generates a vibratingmovement at the mesh plate 352 and cause at least some of thepre-aerosol formulation 332 to transform into an aerosol at the meshplate 352.

As shown, the dispersion generator 300C includes the outer housing 301and the mesh plate 352. The mesh plate 352 traverses an opening in theouter housing 301 to contain the pre-aerosol formulation 332 in theouter housing 301 and prevent and/or reduce the pre-aerosol formulation332 from leaking out of the outer housing 301. The mesh plate 352 andthe outer housing 301 define an internal volume 356 to contain thepre-aerosol formulation 332. In some example embodiments, the reservoirhousing 331 is at least partially incorporated into the outer housing301 of the cartridge 22.

The mesh plate 352 includes holes 354 that are sized to allow an aerosolto flow from the internal volume 356 to the opening 303. In some exampleembodiments, the holes 354 may have a diameter between 4-6 microns.

The rod 350 is configured to release the pre-aerosol formulation 332into the external environment through opening 303 (e.g., by vibration orsonication). The air inlet port 45 permits the aerosol to air flow tothe opening 303. The rod 350 may be electrically coupled to theconnector 86 via one or more electrical leads 307, such that the rod 350may be selectively controlled to release a pre-aerosol formulation.

The rod 350 and the mesh plate 352 controls a release of the pre-aerosolformulation into the external environment via a channel 336.

In some example embodiments, the pre-aerosol formulation 332 is held inthe outer housing 301 in a liquid or solid phase.

In some example embodiments, the pre-aerosol formulation 332 includes avolatile substance, and the volatile substance may transform to anaerosol when the rod 350 vibrates the pre-aerosol formulation 332.

An opening 370 in the dispersion generator 300C aligns with the opening37 (shown in FIGS. 2-3 ) to pour a pre-vapor formulation or pre-aerosolformulation into the dispersion generator 300C. The removable plug 38(shown in FIGS. 2-3 ) may seal the opening 370 and the cartridge 22 toprevent and/or reduce any leaking from the internal volume 356 tooutside the outer housing 16.

FIG. 5D illustrates a dispersion generator 300D included in thecartridge 22 may be a nebulizer assembly that includes a plate 391. Insome example embodiments, the plate 391 is a vibrator. In other exampleembodiments, the plate 391 is a sonicator. As shown in FIG. 5D, thedispersion generator 300D may include a reservoir 309A for a pre-vaporformulation and the plate 391 that may vibrate the pre-vapor formulationto transform at least a portion of the pre-vapor formulation to generatean aerosol.

The cartridge 22 may include the outer housing 301 and an inner tube312A coaxially positioned within the outer housing 301.

In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the plate 391 iselectrically coupled to the connector 86 via the electrical leads 307.The plate 391 may be supplied with electrical power from a power supplyto which the connector 86 and the electrical leads 307 electricallycouple the plate 391.

The reservoir 309A may include a pre-vapor formulation, and optionally astorage medium configured to store the pre-vapor formulation therein.The storage medium may include a winding of cotton gauze or otherfibrous material about a portion of the dispersion generator 300D. Thereservoir 309A may be contained in an outer annulus between the innertube 312A and the outer housing 301. Thus, the reservoir 309A may atleast partially surround a central channel 320A.

The central channel 320A is positioned between the channel 358 and thevibrator plate 391. The plate 391 may extend transversely across an endof the central channel 320A between opposing portions of the outerhousing 301. In some example embodiments, the plate 391 may extendparallel to a longitudinal axis of the central channel 320A.

In some example embodiments, the inner tube 312A may be omitted and thecentral channel 320A may not extend through the reservoir 309A.

During aerosol generation, at least a portion of the pre-vaporformulation may be transformed into an aerosol by the vibrations orultrasonic waves caused by the plate 391, in some example embodiments.

In some example embodiments, the reservoir 309A may be removed throughthe opening 303 and replaced with a new reservoir.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate example embodiments of the outlet end insert 20.

FIG. 6A illustrates an outlet end insert 20 a. In some exampleembodiments, the outlet end insert 20 a is circular and has N outlets605-1 to 605-N for N dispersion generators. Each of the outlets 605-1 to605-N is associated with one of the N dispersion generators such thatthe dispersions generated by the dispersion generators do not mix withinthe device 10. As shown in FIG. 6A, the outlets 605-1 to 605-N aretrapezoid shaped, however, the outlets 605-1 to 605-N are not limitedthereto. For example, in other example embodiments, the outlets 605-1 to605-N may be circular or shaped. Moreover, at least two of the outlets605-1 to 605-N may have a different shape.

FIG. 6B illustrates an outlet end insert 20 b. In some exampleembodiments, the outlet end insert 20 b includes outlets 610-1 to 610-N.Each of the outlets 610-1 to 610-N is designed for and corresponds to aparticular type of dispersion. For example, the outlets 610-1 and 610-Nare trapezoid shaped and designed for a vapor generator.

Moreover, in some example embodiments, the outlets 610-1 and 610-N areat edges of a base 615 of the outlet end insert 20 b. As shown in FIG.6C, the outlets 610-1 and 610-N are angled to allow a dispersion in apartial sidewise fashion. The outlets 610-1 and 610-N have triangularcross sections and the dispersions exit the outlet end insert 20 b atrespective hypotenuse sides 610-1 a and 610-Na.

The outlet 610-2 may be circular and designed for an aerosol generator.The outlet 610-2 may be between the outlets 610-1 and 610-N. Becauseeach of the outlets 610-1 to 610-N is associated with one of the Ndispersion generators and are for a particular type of dispersion, anaerosol and a vapor exit the outlet end insert 20 b when the device 10is in use. For example, the aerosol exiting the outlets 610-1 and 610-Nmay have a mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 4-6 μm and thevapor exiting the outlet 610-2 may have a MMD of 0.5-1 μm. In someexample embodiments, the outlets 610-1 to 610-N are aligned with the Ndispersion generators, respectively.

FIG. 6D illustrates an outlet end insert 20 c. The outlet end insert 20c may be the same as the outlet end insert 20 a except the outlet endinsert 20 c includes the outlet 610-2.

FIGS. 7A-7B an outlet end insert according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 7A illustrates a top view of an outlet end insert 20 d. In someexample embodiments, the outlet end insert 20 d includes outlets 710-1to 710-N. Each of the outlets 710-1 to 710-N is designed for andcorresponds to a particular type of dispersion. For example, the outlet710-1 may be for a vapor generator and the outlet 710-N may designed foran aerosol generator. In some example embodiments, the outlets 710-1 and710-N are trapezoid shaped.

Moreover, in some example embodiments, the outlets 710-1 and 710-N areat edges of a base 715 of the outlet end insert 20 b.

FIG. 7B illustrates a cross sectional view of the outlet end insert 20d. As shown in FIG. 7B, the outlets 710-1 and 710-N are angled to allowa dispersion in a partial sidewise fashion. The outlets 710-1 and 710-Nhave triangular cross sections and the dispersions exit the outlet endinsert 20 d at respective hypotenuse sides 710-1 a and 710-Na.

As shown, the divider 23 abuts the outlet end insert 20 d to prevent adispersion in the passage 24A from mixing with the dispersion in thepassage 24N. Consequently, the dispersion in the passage 24A and thedispersion in the passage 24N exit the outlet end insert 20 d asseparate dispersions upon a negative pressure being applied on thepassages 24A and 24N.

Because each of the outlets 710-1 to 710-N is associated with one of theN dispersion generators and are for a particular type of dispersion, anaerosol and a vapor exit the outlet end insert 20 d when the device 10is in use. For example, the aerosol exiting the outlet 710-N may have amass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 4-6 μm and the vapor exitingthe outlet 710-1 may have a MMD of 0.5-1 μm. In some exampleembodiments, the outlets 610-1 to 610-N are aligned with the Ndispersion generators, respectively.

Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understoodthat other variations may be possible. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure, and all such modifications as would be obvious to oneskilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of thefollowing claims.

We claim:
 1. A dispersion device comprising: a first dispersiongenerating system; a second dispersion generating system; an outerhousing including a first end and a second end; a cartridge holderadjacent the second end of the outer housing, the cartride holderincluding, a first slot configured to received a first cartridgeincluding the first dispersion generating system, and a second slotconfigured to receive a second cartridge including the second dispersiongenerating system; and an outlet end element at the first end of theouter housing, the outlet end element including, a first outletcorresponding to the first dispersion generating system, and a secondoutlet corresponding to the second dispersion generating system, thesecond outlet being separate from the first outlet.
 2. The dispersiondevice of claim 1, further comprising: a divider separating the firstdispersion generating system and the first outlet from the seconddispersion generating system and the second outlet.
 3. The dispersiondevice of claim 1, wherein the first dispersion generating system isconfigured to vaporize a first pre-vapor formulation into a first vaporhaving particles of a first size.
 4. The dispersion device of claim 3,wherein the second dispersion generating system is configured toaerosolize a first pre-aerosol formulation into a first aerosol havingparticles of a second size and the first size and the second size aredifferent.
 5. The dispersion device of claim 4, wherein a firstcartridge contains the first pre-vapor formulation and a secondcartridge contains the first pre-aerosol formulation, the firstpre-vapor formulation and the first pre-aerosol formulation beingdifferent.
 6. The dispersion device of claim 4, wherein the firstdispersion generating system includes a heater and the second dispersiongenerating system includes a heatless vapor generator.
 7. The dispersiondevice of claim 4, wherein the first dispersion generating systemincludes a heater configured to generate the first vapor and the seconddispersion generating system includes an ultra-sonic generator or avibrator configured to generate the first aerosol.
 8. The dispersiondevice of claim 1, wherein the first outlet is at a center of the outletend element.
 9. The dispersion device of claim 8, wherein the secondoutlet includes first and second parts at end portions of the outlet endelement.
 10. The dispersion device of claim 1, further comprising: apower supply coupled to the first dispersion generating system and thesecond dispersion generating system.
 11. The dispersion device of claim1, further comprising: a divider defining first and second passages inthe outer housing, the first dispersion generating system being in thefirst passage and the second dispersion generating system being in thesecond passage.
 12. The dispersion device of claim 11, wherein thedivider extends to the outlet end element and separates the first outletand the second outlet.
 13. The dispersion device of claim 11, whereinthe outer housing defines a first opening through a surface of the outerhousing, the first dispersion generating system defines a secondopening, and the first opening and the second opening align.
 14. Thedispersion device of claim 1, wherein the first dispersion generatingsystem includes, a sonicator configured to exert a force on apre-aerosol formulation, and a mesh plate adjacent to the pre-aerosolformulation, the mesh plate defining holes such that an aerosol exitsthe mesh plate when the sonicator exerts the force on the pre-aerosolformulation, the mesh plate separates the pre-aerosol formulation from achannel.
 15. The dispersion device of claim 1, wherein the seconddispersion generating system includes, a pre-aerosol formulationreservoir configured to contain a pre-aerosol formulation, an inner tubedefining a central channel through the pre-aerosol formulationreservoir, and a vibrator configured to vibrate the pre-vaporformulation to generate a vapor.
 16. The dispersion device of claim 15,wherein the vibrator is a plate and contacts the pre-vapor formulationreservoir.
 17. The dispersion device of claim 16, wherein the inner tubeextends from the plate to an end of the pre-vapor formulation reservoir.18. The dispersion device of claim 1, wherein the first outlet and thesecond outlet are angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of thedispersion device.
 19. The dispersion device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a first cartridge including the first dispersion generatingsystem; and a second cartridge including the second dispersiongenerating system, the first cartridge and the second cartridgecontacting the outlet end element.
 20. The dispersion device of claim19, wherein each of the first cartridge and the second cartridgeincludes an air inlet.